Shloka 12
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Homecoming, Sacrificial Assembly, and Instruction on Devotional Kingship
सर्वत्रास्खलितादेश: सप्तद्वीपैकदण्डधृक् । अन्यत्र ब्राह्मणकुलादन्यत्राच्युतगोत्रत: ॥ १२ ॥
sarvatrāskhalitādeśaḥ sapta-dvīpaika-daṇḍa-dhṛk anyatra brāhmaṇa-kulād anyatrācyuta-gotrataḥ
Mahārāja Pṛthu war ein unvergleichlicher König und trug das Zepter der Herrschaft über die sieben Inselkontinente der Erde. Niemand konnte seinen unwiderruflichen Befehlen zuwiderhandeln, außer den heiligen Brāhmaṇas und den Vaiṣṇavas aus dem Geschlecht Acyutas, der Höchsten Gottesperson.
Sapta-dvīpa refers to the seven great islands or continents on the surface of the globe: (1) Asia, (2) Europe, (3) Africa, (4) North America, (5) South America, (6) Australia and (7) Oceania. In the modern age people are under the impression that during the Vedic period or the prehistoric ages America and many other parts of the world had not been discovered, but that is not a fact. Pṛthu Mahārāja ruled over the world many thousands of years before the so-called prehistoric age, and it is clearly mentioned here that in those days not only were all the different parts of the world known, but they were ruled by one king, Mahārāja Pṛthu. The country where Pṛthu Mahārāja resided must have been India because it is stated in the eleventh verse of this chapter that he lived in the tract of land between the rivers Ganges and Yamunā. This tract of land, which is called Brahmāvarta, consists of what is known in the modern age as portions of Punjab and northern India. It is clear that the kings of India once ruled all the world and that their culture was Vedic.
FAQs
This verse portrays the ideal ruler as one whose authority is effective everywhere, yet who especially protects brāhmaṇas and honors devotees of Acyuta, refusing to act against them.
It indicates his universal sovereignty and flawless governance—his orders were executed without obstruction throughout the world.
Use power or responsibility with restraint: uphold justice firmly, while showing special respect and protection to saintly, spiritually dedicated people and to those devoted to God.